A classic beginner chapter book. I enjoyed this book because I was interested in pioneer times as a child. I think that the movie is quite accurate toA classic beginner chapter book. I enjoyed this book because I was interested in pioneer times as a child. I think that the movie is quite accurate to the book. I think that if students are interested in the time period, they will enjoy the read. ...more

The story of a little girl trying to make a life by herself or more preferably wither dad. He doesn't really know what to do with her. Everything chanThe story of a little girl trying to make a life by herself or more preferably wither dad. He doesn't really know what to do with her. Everything changes when she meets a stray dog. He introduces her to all kinds of new friends and changes her relationship with her father....more

The story of Patricia and her bullying older brother, who ended up being a great friend to her. Most children relate to the competitiveness between thThe story of Patricia and her bullying older brother, who ended up being a great friend to her. Most children relate to the competitiveness between these siblings....more

This is the story of a wise grandmother who teaches her greedy grand daughter a lesson. I used this book along with Thunder Cake to compare literatureThis is the story of a wise grandmother who teaches her greedy grand daughter a lesson. I used this book along with Thunder Cake to compare literature by the same author. My students fell in love with Patricia Polacco and we read 10 of her books aloud in one week! ...more

The story of a wise grandmother who helps her grand daughter overcome her fear of storms by baking a special cake. I used this book along with BabushkThe story of a wise grandmother who helps her grand daughter overcome her fear of storms by baking a special cake. I used this book along with Babushka's Doll to compare literature by the same author. My students all wanted to try thunder cake, but they had to settle with a copy of the recipe this time....more

Good for 5th and 6th graders. The story of Moose and his family living on Alcatraz because his father is a guard in the 1930s. Moose has to deal withGood for 5th and 6th graders. The story of Moose and his family living on Alcatraz because his father is a guard in the 1930s. Moose has to deal with new kids, a new school, a dad who works too much to spend time with him, a mom who doesn't get him, and a sister with Autism (but of course they don't know that) whom he must take care of. You get to see Moose mature into an honest and caring young man in this story. ...more

One of my absolute favorite read-alouds. The kids get so into making predictions and feeling the emotions of the story. It is a great story of selfishOne of my absolute favorite read-alouds. The kids get so into making predictions and feeling the emotions of the story. It is a great story of selfishness, love, and family. Sylvester finds a magic pebble but doesn't know it. He makes a wish that leaves him stranded and unable to communicate. You get to read about his sadness, his parents struggle with a vanishing son, and the love and magic that brings them back together....more